Sugarloaf Hill stands from the bay 1300 feet (395 meters) over the ocean and safeguards the entry to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Every single first time vacationer to Rio should really take the visit up to the top of this unique mountain. The peak is reached using a two stage cable car. The traveler will experience sweeping vistas of Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches to the west, together with greater Rio de Janeiro towards the east.

The breathtaking one hundred twenty five ft. high Christ the Redeemer Sculpture that appears on top of Corcovado Mountain, has long been watching across the town with outstretched arms since 1931. It\’s among the most traveled to of the Rio de Janeiro points of interest. Almost as spectacular as the statue itself will be the views of Rio and the adjoining regions from the platform at the bottom.

A brief travel time by taxi cab or tour van will take you to the \”Floresta da Tijuca\” which happens to be a section of a bigger national park. This park is all that remains from the Rio area of the \”Mata Atlantica\” (Atlantic coastal rain forest). Any journey to Brazil should include a guided Rio de Janeiro sightseeing trip to the Tijuca Forest. Whether or not you stop by the key sights by tour van, or take an all day hiking expedition, you\’ll find a very noteworthy outdoor experience.

The Jardim Botanico (Botanical Garden) was made by the Prince Regent Dom Joao in 1808, right after the Portuguese royal family fled Europe from the advance of Napoleon\’s troops. These comprehensive exotic landscapes cover more than 1/2 sq. mile including thousands of kinds of tropical plants and trees. Jardim Botanico is a brief cab or bus trip from Copacabana or Ipanema, so don\’t miss out on this wonderful 1/2 day expedition!

The historical Bohemian communities of Lapa and Santa Teresa are going through restoration and revitalization after many years of decay. Lapa is positioned right at the rear of the city center and it\’s connected with its prominent aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa) upon which the Tram (Bonde) functions up and back from the hillside area of Santa Teresa. Lapa is the location of many Samba and other music clubs and dance halls and should be visited during the night.